Police forces in the Netherlands have special bureaus or officers to handle juvenile offenders. In the event of a criminal act by a juvenile between 12 and 18, police have three options: a police caution, an official report to the prosecutor, or a brief report (rarely involving prosecution) to the prosecutor. When a case concerns a first offender or a minor offense, the case is usually dismissed by the police. If an official report is sent to the public prosecutor, it can be dismissed or prosecuted. In a case involving problematic social backgrounds, a child protection council may handle the case. Further action may involve release or removal from parental rights under guardianship or a supervision order. When a juvenile delinquent is not diverted completely from the system, the juvenile judge adjudicates the case. A range of penal sanctions alone or in combination are available. These include a guilty verdict without sanction, reprimand, fine, custodial sentence (remand, correctional school, or juvenile prison), supervision order, and committal to care of the Government of special treatment. In some cases pretrial detention for a psychological evaluation may be ordered. Recent changes in the juvenile justice system suggest a trend away from the philosophy of protection and care. 2 tables and 7 references.